Sharon Bluhm
Sharon Kay Bluhm, 73, of Riverton Township, died on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.
Sharon Kay Bluhm was a resilient, resourceful, remarkable, woman and an inspiration to all. To know her was to love her. She was born in Muskegon on January 31,1952, to Robert and Frances Nieboer. She graduated from Muskegon High School and went on to earn degrees from Western Michigan University.
As a reading specialist, she helped many who struggled to learn, and as a long-time English instructor at West Shore Community College in Scottville, she helped many fulfill their goals and find direction in life. Sharon worked at WSCC for 40 years and was inducted into the West Shore Community College Mentors’ Society in 2017.
But Sharon lived many lives in addition to being a teacher. As a history buff, she researched the origins of her home in Riverton Township, the “Humps,” and discovered it had been purchased by the Dawson family from Chicago in 1903. As an architectural renovator and preservationist, she restored the historic structures on the property, keeping their roots intact and breathing new life into them. In 1998 Sharon received the Henry and Elizabeth Haskell award from the Mason County Historical Society for the historical preservation of her house. She served on the board of directors of the Mason County Historical Society for many years.
As a writer, she authored a book about the early abstract artist Manniere Dawson, “Inventions of the Mind,” which won a State History Award from the Historical Society of Michigan. Her research on the artist and his work led to the establishment of the Manierre Dawson Gallery at West Shore Community College. As a stone mason and horticulturist, she spent years using native rocks to build retaining walls for the expansive gardens she planted, then went on to build a tiered fountain to attract the birds she loved, as well as many unique birdhouses and planters, all works of art. As a keen conservationist, Sharon worked tirelessly trying to protect, promote, and advocate for nature. She relentlessly removed invasive species from her property and taught her grandchildren and friends the importance of being good stewards of the earth.
Sharon created a storybook realm in the Humps which was a magical kingdom for her children and grandchildren and a wondrous delight for friends and other visitors who enjoyed touring the gardens and sipping tea or wine graced by her hospitality. Sharon lived life wide, and she expanded the universe for all who were drawn to her. She faced adversity – and there was much of it in her life – with fierce bravery and gentle humor. Her strength of will and character were indisputable, her laughter contagious. In her last days she held court on her porch, surrounded by birdsong, the wind in the trees, the music of the fountain, laughter and tears, and those she held most dear.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved son Travis; and her brothers Tom and Larry.
Sharon is survived by her daughters, Katie (Brad) Jorissen, Melissa (Ryan) Williams; grandchildren Maggie, Ben and Colton Jorissen and Wyatt and Stella Williams. She also leaves brothers Bob (Kathy) Nieboer and Dan Nieboer as well as many nieces, nephews and dear friends, including her long-term partner Dave Lorentson.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Friday, June 20, 2025, at St. Joseph Weare Catholic Church, with Father Phil Sliwinski presiding. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, June 19, 2025, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Pere Marquette Chapel, in Ludington.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Sharon’s memory may donate to The Petal Project or A Few Friends for the Environment of the World (AFFEW). The Petal Project is a daffodil beautification project in downtown Pentwater. Donations can be sent to the Oceana Community Foundation (Please state on check that donations go to The Petal Project) or dropped off in Pentwater, at numerous locations including Port View. Petal Project donations: Oceana Community Foundation (Donation to the Petal Project), P.O. Box 902, 388 S. Hancock St. Pentwater, MI 49449. AFFEW provides educational opportunities for the Mason County community by actively promoting a healthy and thriving environment. AFFEW donations: P.O, Box 177, Ludington, MI 49431.
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